Method and apparatus for seaming wide panels of EPDM membrane to form a composite EPDM roofing membrane

An apparatus for continuously seaming wide panels of cured EPDM membrane to form a composite roofing membrane of predetermined width and indefinite length comprising:

• at least two supply stations for providing a selected length of cured EPDM membrane in the direction of a seaming station, each supply station including a supply roll of cured EPDM membrane wound on a mandrel positioned in overlapping relation to an adjacent mandrel for supplying and simultaneously positioning indefinite length cured EPDM membrane in an overlapping relationship along the length of the EPDM membrane;
• wherein the seaming station includes a frame member supporting a press assembly and a device for seaming the overlapping length of cured EPDM membranes, the press assembly including opposing pinch rollers to continuously compress the overlapping edges of the cured EPDM membranes as the EPDM membranes pass between the pinch rollers thereby continuously securing the overlapping cured EPDM membranes together to form a continuous seam and a composite roofing membrane of predetermined width and indefinite length;
• and
• a storage station for continuously reeling the composite roofing membrane.

An apparatus for continuously seaming wide panels of cured EPDM membrane to form a composite roofing membrane of predetermined width and indefinite length comprising:

• at least two supply stations, each supply station including a supply roll of cured EPDM membrane wound on a mandrel positioned in overlapping relation to an adjacent mandrel for supplying and simultaneously positioning indefinite length cured EPDM membrane in an overlapping relationship along the length of the EPDM membrane;
• a seaming station including a frame member supporting a press assembly and a device for seaming the length of the overlapping cured EPDM membranes, the press assembly including directly opposing pinch rollers to continuously compress the overlapping edges of the cured EPDM membranes as the EPDM membranes pass between the pinch rollers thereby continuously securing the overlapping cured EPDM membranes together to form a continuous seam and a composite roofing membrane of predetermined width and indefinite length;
• and
• a storage station for continuously reeling the composite roofing membrane.